Freedom Award

April 10, 2017

18th Judicial DA’s office finalist for national award

The Office of the District Attorney, 18th Judicial District
has been selected as a finalist for the 2017
Freedom Award.

This award is given annually by the Department of Defense to
employers for their support of employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
Nominees represents large and small employers from almost every industry, as
well as from state and local governments. A national selection board comprised
of senior Department of Defense officials and business leaders select the award
recipients.

This year there were 3,064 nominations nationwide. Among the
30 finalists, nine public sector employers are competing to win the award in
that category.

The Office is nominated for going above and beyond the
minimum requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment
Rights Act (USERRA) and provides exceptional benefits, compensation, leave
practices, and support of all its active military members.District Attorney George H. Brauchler publicly
supports the veterans and service members in the office.

The office provides preference to members of the Guard and
Reserve when hiring new employees; if equally qualified candidates apply for
the same position, the service member is always selected for employment.

The office’s preference for—and recruitment of—military
members is best demonstrated by the growing number of actively drilling Guard
and Reserve service members.The DA’s
Office has 85 prosecutors, and at the time DA Brauchler was elected, the office
had no actively drilling Guard or Reserve employees. Today, there are eight
employees serving in the Guard or Reserve, including seven prosecutors. All of
those service members have deployed at least once since Sept. 11, 2001.

“It goes without saying that the men and women who chose to
serve our country in the armed forces deserve our thanks and support. But I
know from experience that those in the Guard and Reserve have taken on a
special commitment,” said District Attorney George H. Brauchler. “They have
agreed to integrate their service into a world of jobs and careers that aren’t
always flexible and appreciative. It behooves all of us to do everything we can
to support them in their commitment to the safety and protection of our communities,
and that includes the civilian workplace.”

He added: “Few people come better equipped to serve their
communities in such a significant and sensitive area as that of justice. I am
proud to have created the most veteran- and military-friendly office in
government. We do all we can to ensure our office welcomes and encourages Guard
and Reserve members in their service to our great nation.”

Members of the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office attend the departure ceremony Nov. 10, 2016, in Parker for Deputy District Attorney Gwenn Sandrock, who is currently deployed oversees in her role as a first lieutenant with the Colorado Army National Guard 169th Field Artillery Brigade.